What does it really mean to live after the unthinkable happens? 💔

In this powerful episode of Grief 2 Growth, I sit down with Michael Reed, author of The Million Stages of Grief, a father and husband who lost his wife Constance and daughters Chloe and Lily in the 2016 Gatlinburg fires. From suicidal despair to becoming a voice for the grieving, Michael shares how he went from barely surviving… to choosing to live with purpose.

If you’ve ever felt like your grief is “too much,” “taking too long,” or “not normal,” this conversation is for you. We talk about why the popular “five stages of grief” model doesn’t fit most real-life loss, how grief shows up differently for everyone, and why comparison (“my loss is worse/less than yours”) only adds to the pain.

💬 In this episode, we explore:

Michael’s love story with Constance and memories of Chloe and Lily that still make him smile

The night of the Gatlinburg fires and how his life changed forever

Why Michael says “we don’t move on, but we must move forward”

How stuffing down grief nearly killed him—and how writing and sharing saved his life

Men, grief, and why it’s not weak to cry, be broken, or ask for help

Survivor’s guilt, anger at God, and rebuilding a very real but changed faith

Transforming triggers and painful places into sacred spaces of connection

How to use your pain to help others and “change the world one person at a time”

✨ You’ll especially connect with this episode if:

You’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, friend, or even a beloved pet and feel ashamed of how much it hurts

You’ve been told to “move on,” “be strong,” or that you’re grieving “too long”

You’re wrestling with your faith or anger at God after loss

You support someone who is grieving and want to understand them better

🔗 Resources mentioned:

Michael’s book: The Million Stages of Grief (available on Amazon)

Michael’s website: https://themillionstages.com

Continue the conversation with me at https://grief2growth.substack.com

If this episode speaks to you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone. 💞

👇 Question for you:
What’s one memory of your loved one that hurts and heals at the same time? Share it in the comments so we can honor them with you.– – – Let’s Connect: – – –
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00:00 ⏳ Opening — A Father’s Unimaginable Loss
A gentle introduction to Michael’s story and the purpose behind his healing journey.

02:15 ❤️ Remembering Constance, Chloe & Lily
Michael shares memories that keep his family’s love alive.

06:48 🔥 The Night of the Gatlinburg Fires
A moment-by-moment recounting of the tragedy that changed everything.

12:30 💔 The Aftermath: Shock, Survival & Numbness
How grief first appeared in Michael’s life.

18:42 🧠 The Myth of the “Five Stages” of Grief
Why traditional models fall short for most people.

23:05 😞 Suicidal Despair & the Turning Point
The moment Michael realized he needed to choose life.

28:10 ✍️ Writing as a Lifeline
How storytelling and honesty pulled him out of darkness.

33:00 🙏 Wrestling With God & Faith
Anger, doubt, and rebuilding a new relationship with the divine.

38:44 👨‍👧‍👧 Men and Grief: Breaking the Silence
Why men struggle to express pain—and how to change that.

44:22 🎗️ Survivor’s Guilt & Healing in Community
The painful questions that haunt many grievers.

50:01 🌱 Moving Forward Without Moving On
Honoring loved ones while rebuilding a life.

55:40 🤝 Using Your Pain to Help Others
How Michael’s mission now brings comfort and hope.

1:01:22 ✨ Final Reflections & Message of Hope
A heartfelt closing on grief, meaning, and purpose.